The sun was high, with hardly a cloud in sight. Compared to the rain that had soaked the grass the day before, it was a vast improvement, even if there was a slight breeze. A small inconvenience in the weather couldn’t deter the majority of the people in London, though. Hyde Park was the place to be seen, to cross paths with members of theton, to watch for emerging courtships, and search for new gossip. Sophia had delighted in the idea of promenading here when she was younger.
But only then. Now, she dreaded the mandatory outing.
“It’s fortunate that Lord Finchley didn’t see you clinging to Mr. Isaac Ellington last night,” Prudence said abruptly.
Sophia jolted, shooting a scowl at her sister. “Keep your voice down.”
A promenade in Hyde Park was not the time to say anything potentially scandalous aloud. Sophia looked behind her to ensure no one had overheard. The only person who might have heard was Aunt Hester, but from the look on her face she wasstill oblivious. She was wrestling with her parasol, which seemed intent to blow away.
The upper half of Prudence’s face was shadowed by her bonnet, the sun highlighting her mischievous grin. “Or might I sayunfortunatethat he was not there to see it.”
“There was nothing to see,” Sophia said in a calm voice. “Even Lady Strathmore understood the desperate nature of the situation. My actions were necessary.”
“And rather telling.” Prudence peeked at Sophia’s face. “You still care for him.”
Sophia scoffed. “How could I care for the man who deserted me because my dowry was insufficient? I hope you don’t think me so insensible. Mr. Ellington and I have made a promise not to concern ourselves with the events of the past. It is over and done with.”
Prudence sighed. “Is there no chance that you might love him again?”
Sophia laughed, fighting the discomfort in her chest. “If I loved him, it would be very much against my will.”
“Thatistypically how love operates, is it not?”
Sophia kept her chin high as they passed a very wealthy looking couple. “I believe there is some choice involved.” Sophia had made the choicenotto fall in love with Isaac again, and she intended to keep that promise to herself. She would not be governed by her heart as she had been when she was Prudence’s age, even if Isaac continued to act as charming as he had that morning. He had been kind. Considerate. He was willing to help her protect her sister. What if there was a part of him that regretted his decision to end their courtship? What if he had changed?
These were the questions she couldn’t afford to ask herself—yet here she was, asking them anyway.
She shushed her thoughts, turning her attention to another task.
“Have you met Mr. Timothy Baker?” Sophia asked, leaning closer to Prudence’s ear. She pointed her gaze at a tall man with fiery red hair who stood beside a tree up ahead. “He is a very respectable man, with a great deal to offer. Perhaps Stepfather can arrange an introduction for you.”
“Why on earth would I want that?” Prudence cast a dagger at Sophia with her gaze. “I am courting Mr. Ellington.”
“You have hardly considered any other options!” Sophia tightened her arm around her sister’s. “You cannot make your decision so hastily.”
“You may believe that love is a decision, but I do not. I am in love with Mr. Ellington, very much against my will, in fact, and there is nothing to be done to change that.” She lifted her chin. “At any rate, I already know Mr. Baker’s sister. See the young lady beside him? Miss Baker was introduced to me just last week, if you must know. If you wish, I shall meet her brother this very moment if only to prove that no other man can claim my heart.”
Sophia resisted the urge to groan. Prudence’s dramatics were exhausting at times. There was no cure for her stubbornness. Meeting Mr. Baker would be fruitless now. Just when Sophia was prepared to abandon the idea, she caught sight of two familiar men in the distance. Her heart leaped.
Isaac—alongside his nefarious cousin—was walking in their direction. He wore a navy-blue jacket with tan breeches, a pale blue waistcoat and white cravat. His polished boots and dark hair shone in the afternoon sunlight. No one should be allowed to look so handsome.
His expression was serious as he spoke with Percy, who wore his usual flippant smile. Were they discussing his courtship withPrudence? The two men didn’t seem to have noticed them yet. If Sophia acted quickly, Prudence wouldn’t notice them either.
She began tugging against her sister’s arm, striding with purpose toward Mr. Baker and his sister.
“At least slow your pace,” Prudence hissed through her teeth. “You look prepared to attack him.”
Sophia obeyed, but the moment she slowed down, Prudence gasped. “Is that Mr. Ellington?” Her feet froze, planting them both just a few yards short of Sophia’s target.
Blast it.Prudence tugged Sophia toward the two men and away from Mr. Baker. Their sudden movements would likely be disorienting to poor Aunt Hester. She had already fallen a great distance behind. Sophia tried her best to make it look like she wasn’t being dragged, but Prudence’s strength was alarming.
Isaac noticed their approach, slowing his steps.
Percy’s gaze settled on Prudence. She offered a subtle wave with her gloved fingers. Her cheeks had already turned a deep shade of pink. How was it that Mr. Ellington always knew exactly where to find her sister?
A ridiculous grin pulled on Prudence’s mouth. “He looks handsome today, does he not?” she whispered, her lips barely moving.
Sophia’s heart fluttered deep inside her chest as her eyes connected with Isaac’s. Both Ellington men were handsome, there was no question. Even after nearly dying over a tiny exotic nut, Isaac looked well. More than well. And he didn’t even have to try. With enough effort, he could steal almost any heart he wanted. Except Sophia’s, of course.
